BULLHORN #19    4 March 2008 

  ANAers!! 
  Please pass this information to ALL HANDS!
  Please read carefully the few administrative notes that follow.  Then go to the attachment for lots of news and
  announcements of two television series that highlight US Navy aircraft carriers.  

  First some admin ‘stuff -

  MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS – We continue to see too many old membership application and renewal forms,
  most of which are terribly incorrect.  Please go to our web site at http://www.anahq.org, look around for a while -
  then, after you are completely awed, click on “MEMBERSHIP”on the left-hand side of the opening page, which will
  take you to our recruiting brochure at http://www.anahq.org/Membership.htm.  Clicking on the yellow background
 “JOIN HERE” will take you to http://www.anahq.org/012908MembershipApp.pdf for the correct form.

  MEMBERSHIP DATABASE ISSUES!!
  MOVING?  Please help!  The mailing list used to send membership their copies of WINGS OF GOLD is generated
  from our regular membership rolls.  Ann Burton, our Membership Coordinator, works especially hard to ensure
  those rolls are ship-shape so, among lots of things, each of us receives our copies of the magazine.  Unfortunately,
  we receive far too many notifications of failure to deliver WINGS OF GOLD, usually because the member has
  moved without mail forwarding instructions.  Please – pass the word throughout your squadrons to have
  members keep their addresses up to date with Ann. 

  RANK, STATUS  - The membership database reflects ONLY that information members provide on their
  membership applications or renewals.  If the member puts no rank on the application, “Mr.” is entered.  If the
  member signs up as an ENS and doesn’t update his rank for 20 years+, it will still be ENS when he retires.  The
  same is true for military status, active duty or retired.  Unfortunately, promotions don’t earn extra points but it would
  be nice if we could make the database as accurate as possible – please make sure all your personal
  information is as up-to-date and complete as possible.   

  LOST AND FOUND
  We have lost contact with the following members.  Every member is important!!  If anyone has information
  regarding their situation or whereabouts, please contact me at svwindmills@erols.com

  CAPT Richard H. Burns, USN (Ret)      last known = San Diego, CA

  CAPT David M. Burns, USN (Ret)      last known = Camden, ME

  CAPT John A. Burns, USN (Ret)     last known = Warren, ME

  LCDR Paul Remington, USN (Ret)     last known = Smyrna, GA

  LCDR Joel Hyland, USN (Ret)     last known = Port Orange, FL

  LCDR Joseph Niedermair, USN      last known = New Orleans, LA

  Mrs. Charles L. Brooks      last known = New Orleans, LA

  MAJ Bowen P. Weisheit, USMC (Ret)    last known = Bel Air, MD

  CDR Paul J. Heron, USN (Ret)     last known = Camarillo, CA

  The HON Fred Davidson, III, USMCR    last known = Chicago, IL

  CHANGE OF COMMAND – DESERT HAWKS – ANA 60

  Congratulations to Ken Hollett, who relieved Thomas "TK" Howard as the contact person and Commanding Officer
  of Squadron 60, Tucson, AZ--the Desert Hawks.   Ken is a retired government employee.  He was a regular officer
  in the Navy from June 1969 to June 1973, during which he was attached to HC-3 at Imperial Beach NAS as an
  H- 46 helicopter HAC, Instructor, and post-maintenance test pilot. He resigned his regular commission in June
  1973 to return to graduate school--pursuing a career as a hydrogeologist and geophysicist.   Ken was with the
  US Geological Survey for 27 years before retiring.  His contact information is:

  Kenneth "Ken" Hollett (khollett@cox.net) 
  11361 East Ammon Place 
  Tucson, AZ 85749-9301 
  (520) 760-1289 (home) 
  (520) 834-2473 (cell phone - MX, CAN, and US) 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

  Battle 360: Call to Duty   http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=mini_home&mini_id=57954

  Aircraft Carrier USS Enterprise, destined to become the most decorated ship of World War ll, was the only carrier
  to be front and center in every major sea battle in the Pacific. The Enterprise and her crew engaged in some of the
  fiercest battles ever seen, marked by intense firepower, instinct and a 360-coordination between the carrier, the
  destroyers, the aircraft above and the submarines below. Follow the Enterprise and its men from the start of the
  war through to the last battle

  A large advertiser will bring that phrase to life on Friday — and for the next 10 weeks — on a leading cable
  network, agreeing to become the exclusive sponsor of a mini-series and run far fewer spots than usual.

  As a result, all 10 hourlong episodes will offer viewers more program content than if they were interrupted by
  conventional commercials. Each will run 54 to 55 minutes, rather than the typical 44 to 45 minutes.

   MORE   USN ON TELEVISION!

“CARRIER” OFFERS INTIMATE LOOK AT LIFE ABOARD A U.S. AIRCRAFT CARRIER
Filmmakers Given Unparalleled Access
to Document Stories During Six-Month Deployment to Persian Gulf
Premieres April 27 – May 1, 2008 on PBS

  CARRIER, a revealing story of daily life on a United States aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, premieres Sunday-
  Thursday, April 27-May 1, 2008, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET on PBS. Given unprecedented access by the Navy to the ship
  and its personnel, the filmmakers shot nearly 2,000 hours of high-definition video from May to November 2005,
  during a full six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf. For the first time, a television series takes a raw and
  personal look at the Navy’s role in this controversial war.

  “PBS viewers will get a gripping view of the deployment and operations aboard an aircraft carrier during Operation
  Iraqi Freedom, including emotional accounts of real-life drama aboard the floating city,” says John F. Wilson,
  senior vice president and chief TV programming executive. “The universal themes that emerge offer compelling
  insight into the men and women who commit to military service against the extraordinary backdrop of war.”

  The USS Nimitz, 24 stories high and three football fields long, carries 85 military aircraft and 5,300 Navy
  personnel, with an average age of 19. CARRIER follows a core group of characters, from the admiral of the fleet to
  the fighter pilots to the scrubs, as they navigate personal conflicts around their jobs, families, faith, patriotism, love,
  the rites of passage and the war on terror.

  “CARRIER is a character-driven, edge-of-your-seat, nonfiction drama and a once-in-a-lifetime total immersion into
  the high stakes world of a nuclear aircraft carrier,” says executive producer and director Maro Chermayeff.

  The CARRIER series Web site at pbs.org/carrier offers visitors a unique look at life on an aircraft carrier, picking
  up where the documentary leaves off, with more stories and behind-the-scenes information, including additional
  video clips, an interactive tour of the ship, “where are they now?” character updates, photographs, producer diaries
  and more.

  CARRIER will be available on DVD through PBS Home Video on shopPBS.com after the broadcast premiere and
  available in retail stores on May 6, 2008.

  CARRIER is a production of Icon Productions, LLC, and Carrier Project, Inc. Executive producers are Mel Gibson,
  Bruce Davey, Nancy Cotton, Mitchell Block and Maro Chermayeff.

  Funding for the series is provided by the CPB/PBS Challenge Fund. The presenting station is WETA Washington,
  DC.

  About Carrier Project, Inc.
  Carrier Project Inc. was formed in 2005 by Mitchell Block and Maro Chermayeff for the purpose of producing the
  series CARRIER and the companion feature documentary Another Day in Paradise.
  – PBS –

  Possible reunion?  If anyone has any info on VMF-451 squadron mates from the period 1956 - 1960, please
 contact William Call - Saber88@gmail.com

  REUNIONS PLANNED
  USS IWO JIMA CLASS Association
  15 – 19 October 2008
  Marriott Hotel, Chesapeake, VA

  Includes USS IWO JIMA (LPH2/LHD7), USS OKINAWA (LPH3), USS TRIPOLI (LPH10/CVE64), USS NEW
  ORLEANS (LPH11) – ALL Ship’s Company and embarked Navy and Marine Corps personnel

  POC – Robert G. McAnally
  152 Frissell Street
  Hampton, VA  23663
  Tele 866-237-3137
  Fax 757-723-4660
  yujack@megalink.net
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

  VP OFFICER REUNION            

  10/17/2008  -  10/19/2008        Santa Clara, CA

  Details at the web site www.vpreunion.com

  POC:Tom Spink   408-732-4307     spink@ix.netcom.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

  USS ANTIETAM CV/CVA/CVS-36 & CG-54

  Includes all Ship’s company, Crews, Marine Detachments, and attached squadrons.

  17 – 21 September 2008, Oklahoma City, OK

  POC:Bill Hiebert
  7901 Candlewood Drive
  Alexandria, VA 22306
  703-768-6419
  William.hiebert@attt.net
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

  PBY Catalina International Association  www.pbycia.org

  All Hands

  1 – 5 October 2008, DoubleTree Hotel, Denver, CO

  POC:Don Mortimer
  2245 Marlene Ln
  Matituck, NY  11952
  631-298-2685
  pbydon@optonline.net

  OR

  Jim Thompson
  504-392-1227
  glotomcat@msn.com

 

Status of The Navy

April 11, 2008

  Raytheon wins AESA retrofit deal for Super Hornets

  By Stephen Trimble
  From Flight Internatinal

  The US Navy has moved forward with plans to retrofit active radars on the bulk of its older-
  model Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.

  Raytheon has received a contract worth nearly $55 million to deliver 19 APG-79 active
  electronically scanned arrays after an approximately 18-month wait, says David Goold, its
  director of F/A-18 strategy and business development. The total number of retrofitted aircraft
  could eventually total 135, but the actual number ordered per year will be negotiated on an
  annual basis, he adds.

  The figure of 135 excludes the first two annual lots of Super Hornets delivered to the USN,
  which are expected to continue to operate mechanically scanned APG-73 radars.

  But the first order adds to the navy's overall plan to buy 415 radars to equip all Super Hornets
  and its EA-18G Growler electronic-attack fleet. The Royal Australian Air Force has also placed
  an order for 24 F/A-18Fs, all equipped with the APG-79.

  The USN plans to deploy the first AESA-equipped F/A-18 squadron later this year. Raytheon
  intends to soon release the delayed H4 block of software code, which is needed to correct
  instability issues identified during operational testing, where the radar's capability was
  described as "dazzling" when operational, but sometimes frustrating.

  Raytheon to Provide Revolutionary AESA Capabilities to 135 F/A-18s

    EL SEGUNDO, Calif. /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy is retrofitting 135 Super Hornets with
    Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar.

    An initial contract worth nearly $55 million authorizes Raytheon to supply 19 AESA systems,
    spares and maintenance. This ensures Super Hornets manufactured before installation of the
    APG-79 will benefit from Raytheon's new advanced sensor technology.

    The APG-79 program is moving toward full-rate production in anticipation of delivering 415
    systems plus spares to the Navy and 24 systems to the Royal Australian Air Force in coming
    years.

    "The retrofit program further enhances the Navy's airborne capabilities, ensuring our customer
    has game-changing sensor technology across the majority of its airborne assets," said Dr. Tom
    Kennedy, vice president for Raytheon's Tactical Airborne Systems business.

    "Our operational AESA radar delivers a range of advanced options including non-traditional
     intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, high-speed transfer of actionable information,
     unparalleled situational awareness, and targeting capabilities at greater ranges than ever."

    Two AESA-equipped fleet squadrons are training for deployment expected in 2008. They are the
    Black Lions of VFA-213 at Naval Air Station Oceana and the Fighting Redcocks of VFA-22 at Naval
    Air Station Lemoore.  AESA-equipped Super Hornets are also being added to two training
    squadrons so aircrews can learn how best to maximize the advanced capabilities of the APG-79.

    "The APG-79 AESA radar is the key sensor in the flight plan for the Block II Super Hornets that
     will keep these aircraft dominant for decades," said Capt. Mark W. Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G
     Navy program manager. The APG-79 AESA radar provides our warfighters with sensor data that
     will revolutionize how we employ the F/A-18E/F block II and EA-18G platforms.

    The radar serves as the key enabling capability to field F/A-18/ and EA-18G flight plan
    elements.

    "From operational and maintenance viewpoints, we believe this new technology sets us apart and
    will give us the edge we need in the challenging battlespace in which we expect to operate well
    into the future."

    Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $19.7 billion, is a technology leader specializing in
    defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history
    of innovation spanning 85 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission
    systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command,
    control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support
    services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

  Pensacola News Journal
  End of runway near for ' T-2'
  Buckeye aircraft on its way out after training thousands of aviators since 1958

  Erin Bridges
  ebridges@pnj.com

Flag Officer Announcements  

           Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:  

           Navy Rear Adm. John M. Bird has been nominated for appointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Seventh
  Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan. Bird is currently serving as deputy and chief of staff, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
  [RADM Bird as a submariner – Dutch] 

          Navy Rear Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr. has been nominated for appointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as deputy chief of
  naval operations for communication networks, N6, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, DC. Harris is currently
  serving as director for operations, J-3, U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Fla.

Rear Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr.
J-3 Director of Operations,
U.S. Southern Command

  Rear Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., is the Director of Operations for U.S. Southern
  Command. He was born in Yokosuka, Japan, and reared in Tennessee and Florida.

  He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978. Upon commissioning and completion
  of flight training, he was assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 44, homeported in Brunswick,
  Maine. His subsequent operational tours include assignment as a Tactical Action Officer
  onboard USS Saratoga (CV 60), homeported in Mayport, Fla., when she participated in
  strike operations against Libya; Operations Officer in VP-4 during Operations Desert
  Shield/Desert Storm; and three tours with Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 1/Task Force
  57/CTask Force 72, homeported in Kami Seya, Japan. In 2002, he reported to
  Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander U.S. 5th Fleet, serving
  as ACOS for Operations, Plans, and Pol-Mil Affairs (N3/N5) where he was involved in
  planning and execution of the Naval component’s portion of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

  His command assignments include VP-46 at Whidbey Island, Wash., and Patrol and
  Reconnaissance Wing 1/CTF57/CTF 72 at Kami Seya, Japan. While in command of TF
  57, the Task Force was heavily involved in Operation Enduring Freedom, flying nearly
  1,000 combat sorties over Afghanistan. In March 2006, he assumed command of Joint
  Task Force-Guantanamo.

  Rear Admiral Harris’ shore and education assignments include Aide and Flag Lieutenant to the Commander, U.S. Naval
  Forces Japan, in Yokosuka, Japan; duty on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations as a strategist in the Strategy and
  Concepts Branch; and Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In August 2004, he reported to the
  staff of the Chief of Naval Operations as Director, Information, Plans and Security Division (OPNAV N3IPS), responsible
  for Navy current operations and anti-terrorism/force protection policy.

  Selected for the Navy’s Harvard/Tufts Program, he attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard
  University, graduating in 1992 with a Master in Public Administration. He was later selected as an Arthur S. Moreau
  Scholar and commenced studies in international relations at Oxford and Georgetown Universities, earning a Master of
  Arts in National Security Studies from the latter in 1994. While at Georgetown, he was also Fellow in the School of Foreign
  Service. He was an MIT Seminar XXI Fellow for the 1999-2000 academic year.

  Rear Admiral Harris has logged 4,400 flight hours, including over 400 combat hours, in U.S. and foreign maritime patrol
  and reconnaissance aircraft.

  In June 2007, Rear Admiral Harris became Director of Operations for U.S. Southern Command.

  Rear Admiral Harris’ personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (2 awards), the Legion of Merit
  (3 awards), the Bronze Star (2 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), the Air Medal, the Joint Service
  Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and
  unit decorations. He is a recipient of the Navy League’s Stephen Decatur Award for Operational Competence.

  Updated: 6 September 2007

            Navy Rear Adm. Elizabeth A. Hight has been nominated for appointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as director, Defense
  Information Systems Agency; commander, Joint Task Force – Global Network Operations; and deputy commander, U.S. Strategic Command
  Global Network Operations and Defense, Arlington, Va. Hight is currently serving as vice commander, Defense Information Systems Agency,
   Arlington, Va.

  IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              No. 0090-08

Fiscal Year 2009 Department Of Defense Budget Released

President George W. Bush today sent to Congress his Defense budget for Fiscal Year 2009. The budget provides $515.4 billion in
  discretionary authority for the Department of Defense (DoD), a $35.9 billion or 7.5 percent increase over the enacted level for Fiscal Year 2008.  

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget reflects the President’s priorities and sustains his commitment to prevail in the Global War on Terror; increase
  ground combat capabilities; improve force readiness; develop the combat capabilities needed to meet future threats; and improve the quality of
  life for Service members and their families. 

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said, “the President’s budget for FY 2009 provides the resources necessary to maintain an agile, highly
  trained, and lethal fighting force, increase Army and Marine Corps end strength, and sustain the United States’ technological advantage over
  current and potential enemies.” Specifically, the Department’s request:  

·                Maintains a highly trained fighting force of 2.2 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines;

·                  Recruits, trains and equips 65,000 additional active duty soldiers and 27,000 additional Marines over five years;

·                  Provides pay increases of 3.4 percent for military members, improves benefits for the all-volunteer force, and
         increases pay 2.9 percent for the civilian workforce;

·                  Provides world-class health care for 9.2 million eligible Service members, families, and retirees;

·                  Procures and maintains an arsenal of the world’s most advanced weapon systems;

·                  Improves warfighting capabilities and invests in science and technology to maintain U.S. advantage over the
         Nation’s enemies;

·                  Maintains 545,000 facilities at 5,300 sites in the U.S. and around the globe; and

·                  Maintains vital intelligence capabilities.

Key highlights are outlined in the attached document. The Fiscal Year 2009 budget is posted at www.budget.mil . 

 

PRESIDENT BUSH’S FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE BUDGET SUBMISSION

President Bush’s Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $515.4 billion in discretionary budget authority for the Department of Defense, a $35.9
   billion or 7.5 percent increase over the enacted level for Fiscal Year 2008.

 

The Fiscal Year 2009 Defense budget request sustains the President’s commitment to growing U.S. ground forces that are needed to
  prevail in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, to sustain a high rate of military readiness and prepare for a wide range of threats that
  face the Nation now and in the years ahead, and to care for Service members and their families. This year’s request increases investments in
  five areas: prevailing in the Global War on Terror (GWOT); increasing ground combat capabilities; improving force readiness; developing future
  combat capabilities; and improving quality of life for Service members and families.

Prevailing in the Global War on Terror 

The global threat posed by violent extremists is the preeminent danger of our time. To ensure freedom and security and advance peace and
  stability throughout the world, the United States must succeed in Iraq and Afghanistan and work with its allies and partners to prevail in the
  ongoing struggle.  

In addition to the $515.4 billion request, the Administration requests $70 billion as an emergency allowance for the Global War on
  Terror. Details will be provided to Congress once the specific requirements of our troops on the ground are better known. 

In Fiscal Year 2008, Congress appropriated $86.8 billion or 46 percent of the President’s $189.3 billion request for GWOT.  
  Congress has not yet appropriated the remaining balance – $102.5 billion – of funds requested and needed for U.S. forces currently
  in combat.  

These additional funds are required to pay our military personnel, continue operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, reconstitute our forces,
  provide force protection for the troops, and fund the Iraqi and Afghan security forces.  

Build Partnership Capacity 

Recognizing that threats to U.S. security exist beyond the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. must also build and strengthen
   the military and security capabilities of our global partners to increase the effectiveness of U.S. forces.  

 To strengthen the military and security capabilities of global partners, the Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $750 million: 

·           $500 million for the Global Train and Equip Program,

·           $200 million for security and stabilization assistance, and

·           $50 million for the Combatant Commander Initiative Fund for Urgent Humanitarian Relief and Reconstruction. 

 Africa Command
   To strengthen U.S. security and promote peace and stability in Africa, DoD requests $389 million in Fiscal Year 2009 to establish the U.S. Africa
   Command. The new geographical command will focus primarily on building partnership capacities, conducting theater security cooperation,
   building important counter-terrorism skills and, as appropriate, supporting other U.S. Government agencies in implementing programs that
   promote regional stability.

 Increase Ground Combat Capability  

The Nation’s security demands a ready and available warfighting force. To that end, the U.S. is increasing its ground forces to meet current
   and projected needs and to sustain a high state of military readiness and support. The growth in ground combat forces will increase the
   potential for longer time at home station between deployments for soldiers and Marines. 

Increase Ground Forces 

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $20.5 billion, an increase of $8.7 billion or 73 percent over the Fiscal Year 2008 enacted level of
   $11.9 billion, to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps to meet operational demands and to increase the average time that soldiers
   and Marines are home between deployments.  

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $15.5 billion to increase Army active end strength to 532,400, which includes an increase of 7,000
   over the Fiscal Year 2008 request. The Army plans to increase active end strength by a total of 65,000 to 547,400. In Fiscal Year 2009, the
   number of active Army Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) will increase by two BCTs, from 40 to 42, toward a goal of 48 BCTs.

                 

Similarly, increasing the number of Marines in the operating forces is expected to reduce stress on the force. The Fiscal Year 2009 budget
   provides $5.0 billion, an increase of $.9 billion over the Fiscal Year 2008 enacted level, to increase Marine Corps end strength to 194,000,
   which includes an increase of 5,000 Marines over the Fiscal Year 2008 request. To achieve three balanced Marine Expeditionary Force units,
   and to increase time at home station between deployments, the Marine Corps plans to increase end strength by a total of 27,000 to 202,000 by
  Fiscal Year 2011.

 Improve Force Readiness 

Sustaining critical combat and support operations, the Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $158.3 billion, an increase of $14.9 billion or 10.4
  percent over the Fiscal Year 2008 enacted level of $143.4 billion, to maintain DoD operations at levels consistent with those of Fiscal
  Year2008. To maintain combat readiness, the Fiscal Year 2009 budget requests $68.0 billion to keep our force of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and
  Marines at the highest levels of proficiency. The budget invests in readiness measured in terms of tank miles driven per month, ship steaming
  days underway per quarter, and flying hours per month. Also included is $33.1 billion for logistical, intelligence, and Service-wide support
  activities.

 The budget also requests $10.7 billion for training, recruiting, and retention to attract and retain Service members possessing critical skills
   needed to meet tomorrow’s defense requirements; $11.8 billion for equipment maintenance and to increase repair and refurbishment of
   equipment, and the transition of systems from development to fielded systems; and $32.6 billion for facility and base support.  

 Develop Future Combat Capabilities               

In addition to strengthening the combat readiness of America’s armed forces, the Nation continues to invest in the strategic modernization
   necessary to meet current and future threats from land, sea, air, or space. The United States must also maintain its significant advantages in
   warfighting capabilities and work to prevent adversaries from acquiring or using weapons of mass destruction.  

Continue Modernization 

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget requests $183.8 billion in modernization to meet future threats, an $8.3 billion increase or 4.7 percent over the
  Fiscal Year 2008 enacted level of $175.5 billion. This includes procurement, as well as research and development.               

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $9.2 billion, an increase of $0.4 billion, to maintain and strengthen joint ground capabilities and to
  continue development of the Army’s Future Combat System -- including manned and unmanned vehicles, the non-line-of-sight launch system,
  and the joint network communications system -- system upgrades to the Stryker weapons system, and chemical weapons destruction.   

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget requests $16.9 billion to strengthen joint maritime capabilities including: the CVN-21 Carrier; one DDG-1000,
   the next generation surface combatant; two littoral combat ships; two joint high speed vessels; two auxiliary cargo ships (T-AKEs); and one
   Virginia Class submarine. 

Joint Air Capabilities are strengthened in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget that provides $45.6 billion, a $4.9 billion increase over Fiscal Year
  2008 enacted levels, for F/A 18 Hornet and E/A-18G Growler fighters, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, V-22 vertical lift aircraft, additional
  unmanned aerial vehicles, and the recapitalization of various missiles and other weapons. 

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $10.7 billion, an increase of $1.6 billion, to strengthen joint space-based capabilities in several
  categories, including Space-Based Infrared Systems, communications satellites, Global Positioning System satellites, environmental satellites,
  Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites, and launch vehicles.  

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget also provides $79.5 billion for an array of modern command, control, communications, computers and
   intelligence ($16.4 billion); procurement of advanced munitions and missiles ($11.0 billion); and mission support ($52.1 billion) such as
   ammunition, portable generators, cooling equipment, field medical supplies, hospital equipment, and night vision goggles. 

Sustain Research and Development 

 Changes in the 21^st century threat environment create strategic challenges from irregular warfare, potential adversaries having weapons of
  mass destruction, and disruptive technologies. The Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $11.5 billion to sustain ongoing science and technology
  efforts, including $1.7 billion for basic research, an increase of $300 million over the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request. 

Improve Missile Defense Capabilities 

To improve missile defense capabilities, the 2009 budget provides $10.5 billion, an increase of $0.6 billion, for continued development of a
  multi-layered system to protect the U.S. and its allies from tactical and strategic ballistic missile attack.

Base Realignment and Closure 

Current and future national security challenges require a more flexible, expeditionary force projection capability. Consequently, units stationed
  overseas will be brought back to bases in the United States. The Fiscal Year 2009 budget requests $9.5 billion to continue Base Realignment
  and Closure (BRAC). For the approved FY 2005 Base Realignment and Closure recommendations, the Budget fully funds 24 major
  realignments, 25 base closures, and 765 lesser actions.  

Improve Quality of Life for Service Members and Families 

Recognizing that success in everything we do depends upon the dedication and skill of the men and women who willingly sacrifice their own
   comfort and safety to safeguard the freedom that all Americans enjoy every day, the Fiscal Year 2009 budget includes the resources necessary
   to provide the finest training, equipment and force protection for those who serve in harm’s way; the best possible care and medical facilities for
   the wounded, ill, and injured; a high quality of life for Service members and their families; and various incentives to recruit and retain the
   all-volunteer force.  

Improve Quality of Life for Personnel and Families 

With significant emphasis on the quality of life for personnel and families, the Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $107.8 billion in pay and
   benefits for 2.2 million active and reserve members, an increase of $9.6 billion or 9.7 percent over the Fiscal Year 2008 enacted level of $98.2
   billion. 

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget increases military pay by 3.4 percent. Since 2001, military pay has increased by an average of 37 percent.  
  In 2009, the average enlisted E-6 (Army Staff Sergeant) will see a pay increase of $1,289. The pay of the average O-3 (Army Captain or Navy
  Lieutenant) increases by $1,943 in FY 2009. 

Sustain High Quality Health Care 

To maintain exceptional health care benefits for 9.2 million eligible military members and their families, working-age retiree members and
   their families, and Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, the Fiscal Year 2009 budget provides $41.6 billion in Fiscal Year 2009 for the military health
  system. Our forces deserve and can expect world-class health care in the future, despite the rising cost of health care and congressionally
  expanded benefits.  

The Department will submit legislation to enact the recommendations of the Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care. These
   recommendations will help keep the generous military health benefits affordable and sustainable for current and future retired Service
  members and their families.  

Further, recognizing the compelling and critical need to provide world-class health and rehabilitative care to all warfighters who are wounded,
   ill, or injured in service to the Nation, the Department has begun and will continue to take action on the recommendations made by the
   President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors. 

Family Housing and Facilities 

The budget also includes $3.2 billion, an increase of $300 million above the Fiscal Year 2008 enacted level, which will construct new family
   housing, improve existing housing, eliminate inadequate housing overseas, operate and maintain government-owned housing, and fund the
   privatization of 12,324 additional homes.               

Summary 

Rear Admiral William E. Shannon, III
Vice Commander, Naval Air Systems Command

 

Rear Admiral William E. Shannon, a native of Massapequa, N.Y., graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and was designated a Naval Aviator the following year. He holds a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College, the U.S. Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, and the Defense Acquisition University’s Advanced Program Manager Course.

At sea, Rear Adm. Shannon flew the RH-53D Sea Stallion with HM-12 and HM-14 and the MH-55E as a Department Head with HM-15. In addition, as a Navy/Marine Corps Exchange Pilot, he flew the CH-53D while serving as the S-3 and Weapons and Tactics Instructor with the “Ugly Angels” of HMH-362. From 1993 to 1995, Rear Adm. Shannon served as Executive Officer, and subsequently, Commanding Officer of the “Blackhawks” of HM-15. During this tour, HM-15 deployed twice to Korea in response to tasking from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. While he was in command, HM-15 was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

  Ashore, Rear Adm. Shannon served as a flight instructor in HM-12, as Head of the Mine Warfare Branch on the staff of
  the Chief of Naval Operations, and as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Readiness, Requirements, and Tactics at the Mine
  Warfare Command. His acquisition tours include Deputy Program Executive Officer for Operations and Airborne Mine
  Countermeasures in the Program Executive Office for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission
  Programs (PEO(A)). He also served as the Program Manager of the Multi-Mission Helicopter Program (PMA-299) where
  his team successfully introduced the MH-60S Seahawk to the Fleet. Following PMA-299, Rear Adm. Shannon became
  the Deputy Program Executive Officer for PEO(A), then went on to serve as the Director of Total Force Readiness for
  the Naval Aviation Enterprise and NAVAIR’s Assistant Commander for Logistics and Industrial Operations. He assumed
  the position of Vice Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, in September 2007.

  Subject: NAVAIR awards MFOQA contract

  News Release Number: EHD200802061

  News Release Copy: NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, Patuxent River, Md. - On Thursday, January 31, 2008,
  NAVAIR awarded a base plus four options firm-fixed price and cost plus fixed fee type contract at a maximum
  contract value of $5,505,689.00 to BGI, LLC headquartered in Dallas, Texas to produce the Flight Visualization
  and Data Analysis (FVDA) module for the Military Flight Operations Quality Assurance (MFOQA) program.

 The Department of the Navy (DON) is implementing a MFOQA program, based in part on the highly successful
 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FOQA program. While both programs use digital flight data, downloaded
 routinely post-flight, to conduct detailed trending and analysis of aircraft and aircrew performance, the DON
 MFOQA program analyzes and replays data at multiple levels within the Naval Aviation Enterprise. Potential
 benefits include significant improvements in Operational Readiness, Training, Maintenance Management and
 Safety. MFOQA will provide a proactive means to highlight positive trends and to identify potential risks in time for
 corrective action.

  Navy awards EPX concept refinement contracts

  News Release Number: E200802061

  News Release Copy: NAVAIR Patuxent River, MD – The U.S. Navy awarded the Boeing/Argon ST; Lockheed
  Martin; and Northrop Grumman/L3 Communications teams each $1.25 million contracts today to help develop the
  EPX program requirements and potential system concepts.

  “The contracts will allow industry to work with the Navy to analyze the current requirements for the EPX system and
  will further develop the concepts, cost and schedule for the program,” said Capt. Joe Rixey, Maritime Patrol and
  Reconnaissance Aircraft program manager. “These contractors will help us determine the technical criteria
  necessary to build a strong foundation for the EPX program.”

  Planned as a replacement for the EP-3 Aries aircraft, the EPX will be a manned multi-mission, multi-intelligence,
  surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting platform. The EPX will operate in concert with other maritime patrol
  and reconnaissance platforms, such as Broad Area Maritime Surveillance and the P-8A Poseidon.

  The Boeing Company, located in Seattle, Wash., is partnering with Argon ST based in Fairfax, Va. The Lockheed
  Martin team is located in Marietta, Ga. and Egan, Minn. Northrop Grumman, of Bethpage, N.Y. will be teaming with
  L3 Communications, out of Greenville and Waco, Texas.

Two Naval Aviators -

IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

General Officer Announcements  

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has announced that the President has made the following nominations:  

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James F. Amos has been nominated for appointment as the
  assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, and for appointment to the rank of general. Amos
  is presently serving as the deputy commandant for combat development and integration;
  commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; commander, U.S
  Marine Forces Strategic Command; commanding general, Marine Corps National Capital
  Region Command; and commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces National Capital Region,
  Quantico, Va.  

  Lieutenant General James F. Amos

  Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration

  Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Keith J. Stalder has been nominated for appointment as the commander, U.S. Marine
  Corps Forces Pacific; commanding general, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific; and commander, Marine Corps Bases
  Pacific, and for reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general. Stalder is presently serving as the commanding
  general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.  

  Lieutenant General Keith J. Stalder
  Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force

 

 What about our military? (Opinion)
  BY: Joseph F. Callo, The New York Post

 The would-be Republican and Democratic nominees have so far failed to address perhaps the most urgent task
  for the next president: rebuilding our military.

  The Army has been wearing out equipment at a rapid rate in Iraq. Tanks, trucks and Humvees, for example, are
  operating in an environment that degrades equipment very rapidly. And rocket-propelled grenades and IEDs
  "degrade" equipment instantaneously.

  Meanwhile, the Navy remains far below the minimum level of ships it needs. In fact, at 280 ships, its force level
  is at a 90-year low - and even the most powerful ship can't be in more than one place simultaneously.

  While the technologically advanced tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft significantly increases the Marines' tactical flexibility,
  funding for this aircraft remains low because of defense-budget limitations.

  The Air Force is flying bombers that were built 50 years ago; its tanker fleet inadequate in terms of age and
  numbers of aircraft. And the Coast Guard is making do in its expanding missions with the oldest fleet of coastal
  vessels in the world.

  All of the armed forces - constantly asked to do more with fewer personnel - are wearing out their people.

  America's safety is being compromised - and the situation can't be fixed quickly. It takes years to rebuild a military
  force, in terms of material and people. The men and women of the armed forces will eventually pay in blood for the
  seriously pinched defense funding.

  Yet the only thing we seem to hear from the candidates is that "we must support the wonderful men and women of
  our military who are sacrificing so much for us." Support them with what, press releases? Where are the specifics?
  Where are the suggestions for budget increases that should go with the specifics?

  About 3 percent of our gross domestic product now goes to defense. That figure has declined since the mid 1980s - the time of the last major military rebuilding effort - by more than 30 percent. Should it be more? How much more?

  What are the candidates' positions on the growing military cooperation between China and Russia? On the
  growing economic and military ties linking Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba and Nicaragua? On how these issues should
  influence the size, shape and funding for our armed forces?

  These are important questions. The answers (or non-answers) will shape the world our children and grandchildren
  live with - or die in.

  Being commander-in-chief of our armed forces may be the most important part of the president's job. But we
  aren't hearing more than slippery generalities on the subject of defense from the candidates.

  We need to hear more than that they "support a strong national defense." We need to hear specifics, and we
  need to hear them before we cast our votes.

  Enlisted Sailors Get Opportunity to Fly
  Story Number: NNS080212-17
  By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ken Ingram